Help me with this half-baked jalousie window idea

[Dixie]

I'd like to make the old jalousie windows in my kitchen a bit more energy efficient. I'm thinking maybe I could put some kind of clear plastic on the window screen frame, and shrink it smooth with a hair dryer? The screening is on the inside, it's aluminum, and attaches via clips that screw into the window.

• Do you think the effort will be worth it in savings and/or comfort?
• What plastic film would work well?
• What's the best way to attach the plastic to the frame?

And no, i don't want to open Pandora's box by replacing them. That's likely to end with reframing the wall.

[masraum]

Maybe some sort of storm window (inside or outside) to create an additional layer. Or get some lexan/acrylic sheet from one of the big box hardware stores to try a DIY option like you're talking about.

It would need to be a really tight seal as air tight as you can get it. Maybe put a light tint on it too.

[911 Rod]

You can buy shrink film kits here that you apply with 2 sided tape and then shrink them with a hair dryer. Usually used to keep the cold out, but would work for you as well.

[TimT]

My house used to have Jalousie windows...before I replaced them all I used shrink film to seal the windows for the winters here.. I still happen to have one of the kits laying around.. You'd probably have to buy from Amazon, s I doubt a FLA Home Depot would stock this.

[rfuerst911sc]

Dixie find a local shop that can make a simple aluminum framed window . With all the sunrooms down there this should be easy . A simple aluminum frame with a piece of lexan in it . Strong and lightweight. The tricky part is how to mount it so it's easily removable when you want ventilation . Much better than the window shrink film . The shrink film does work , but the two sided tape is a pain to remove .

[craigster59]

You can build with aluminum shower door frame material and plexiglass or marine vinyl.

[rfuerst911sc]

This is what I was suggesting . In Florida you should be able to find it in mill finish , white , bronze and maybe other colors . Cut the frame to size of lexan , mitre the corners and push the frame over the plexiglass. Boom done

https://www.amazon.com/CRL-Sash-Universal-Storm-Window-Frame/dp/B000KZXE58/ref=asc_df_B000KZXE58?mcid=a3eb6c809e593159a4fc946 38db8ad64&hvocijid=7715844229871881054-B000KZXE58-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7715844229871881054&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011027&hvtargid=pla-2281435177618&psc=1

[rcooled]

How important is getting some fresh air in the kitchen thru those windows? Any sort of permanent or semi-permanent cover will prohibit that. In the long run, replacing the windows might be worth considering...and it may not be that big of a job. Have a window place come out and take a look.

On a side note, I once lived in a house with some jalousie windows that was ransacked and robbed. The thief didn't even have to break anything to get in...just simply removed the individual glass panes from one of those windows from the outside and climbed right in. Maybe another reason to think about replacement...

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by rcooled

How important is getting some fresh air in the kitchen thru those windows?

It's not important at all. I suspect they were last opened in 1957. The challenge with replacing windows in a 100 year old Florida house is dealing with what else you find. Actually, it's more like what you don't find, like intact studs.

[rwest]

There are windows that just get installed into the old window frame. Company measures them and the get custom made and then your window guts are removed except the frame and the new one is installed. No messing with the structure of the house.

I know this is fairly common on double hung windows, but not sure about your style.

[Scott Douglas]

When we had our old aluminum sash windows replaced with double paned ones, they didn't do anything to the existing frames except cut the protruding flanges off from the sides. New windows slid right in.
It will make the kitchen a lot more pleasant to be in if you can look out the window with glass instead of plastic film.

[BK911]

Curtain.

[jyl]

Here is my quick and easy idea.

Measure dimensions inside window frame, have a plastic shop like TAP Plastic make a pane of acrylic or lexan cut to 1/2” smaller dimension, maybe tinted, thickness just enough that it’s not super floppy. Get some of that split foam insulation for water pipes, ideally white color, run it around the pane, and press the insulation-bordered pane into the window frame. The insulation will compress to fit into the 1/4” space on each side and hold the whole thing in the frame.

(Maybe go look at a piece of the split foam and make sure 1/4” is right -squeeze it to make sure it will compress down to 1/4” thickness easily enough).

You might have the shop drill a little hole in the pane, you can put a piece of cord through the hole and knot it on both sides. That gives you something to grab when you are trying to remove the thing.

Should be cheap, easy to install and remove, and keep the look of the jalousie windows which are kinda retro cool for your location.

[Alan A]

Assume for heat?

Try a reflective film before putting any actual effort in.

[LWJ]

There is a company in Oregon that makes inside storm windows exactly as you are thinking.

It is a low cost product that this particular company charges Cadillac prices for. I have seen first hand how they manufacture and run the company and am not impressed.

But, I see the draw for this sort of product. An air gap and stopping air infiltration will significantly improve your thermal efficiency.

I suspect there is someone in FL that can do this.

[sc_rufctr]

Have you considered this? Search "DIY Double glazing kit".

The inner window is held in place with magnets.

[juanbenae]

Originally Posted by Dixie

It's not important at all. I suspect they were last opened in 1957. The challenge with replacing windows in a 100 year old Florida house is dealing with what else you find. Actually, it's more like what you don't find, like intact studs.

Pull the cranks out..... They seem to be aluminum, so they are likely not rusted... They may just be a bit cranky.

[dad911]

Shower door 'guy' can cut glass and get it tempered. My guess about $200.
Measure to fit with the jalousie hardware removed, and caulk it in with a good silicone caulk.

[HobieMarty]

Half-baked? Leave it in the oven longer, just don't put it in your air fryer!!!

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[rockfan4]

Originally Posted by TimT

My house used to have Jalousie windows...before I replaced them all I used shrink film to seal the windows for the winters here.. I still happen to have one of the kits laying around.. You'd probably have to buy from Amazon, s I doubt a FLA Home Depot would stock this.

I would start with something like this, Frost King or 3M make good kits. If you're happy with the results and want something more permanent, then you could look at some of the other solutions posted here.

If you want to go all in, I saw a house that someone had wrapped the entire thing with a thick plastic wrap, only cutting a hole for the doors. It isn't the most attractive solution, but I'll bet they didn't feel the wind coming through the walls anymore.